The voice of Derby’s youth has been heard loud and strong in an inspirational speech by the city's Deputy Youth Mayor.

Anselmo Pedro called on the people of the city to stand united against conflict and division, showing how the members of the city’s Youth Council are already making a difference at a young age. 

The city’s Youth Mayor and Deputy Youth Mayor are elected by their peers every year. Their role is to help raise awareness of the positive contribution that young people make, and ensure their voices are heard.

They represent the views of children and young people to the Council and at public events, as well as chairing the Voices in Action Youth Council meetings and visiting schools across the city to listen to the views of those they speak for.

Speaking at the recent Derby Says No to Hate concert as part of Derby Peace Week, Anselmo shared his views on the importance of peace in our own communities as well as further afield, calling on adults to ‘lead by example’ in forming a peaceful and accepting society. He said:

Here in Derby, we are fortunate to live in a diverse city, with people and communities from many different cultures, faiths and backgrounds. That diversity is part of what makes Derby what it is.

Peace… asks us to listen. It asks us to be curious rather than judgemental. It asks us to talk to people rather than talk about them. And sometimes, it simply asks us to show kindness.

We are now receiving applications for next year’s Youth Mayor and Deputy ahead of voting in January. The winner will be announced in February and sworn into office in May, at the same time as the adult Mayor. 

Councillor Paul Hezelgrave, Cabinet Member for Children, Young People and Skills, added:

Anselmo’s calm and measured speech is an inspiration to us all and shows the remarkable part that young people are playing in public life here in Derby.

The Youth Mayor scheme is a great way to ensure these voices are heard, and I know the future of our city is in safe hands with such dedicated and compassionate young leaders.

 

Read Anselmo’s speech in full below: 

Good evening everyone, it’s Anselmo your Deputy Youth mayor here.

It is a real privilege to be here today to speak about something that affects every one of us – peace.

When we hear the word peace, we might think about countries ending wars or communities coming together after conflict. But peace is also something much closer to home. Peace is about how we treat the person standing next to us.

It is about understanding that we may not all look the same, come from the same background, follow the same religion, speak the same language, or share the same beliefs – and that is okay.

In fact, our differences are something to value.

Here in Derby, we are fortunate to live in a diverse city, with people and communities from many different cultures, faiths and backgrounds. That diversity is part of what makes Derby what it is.

We don't have to agree with everything another person believes. But we should always be able to respect their right to believe it. There should be no place for hate in our communities.

Hate divides people. It creates fear and suspicion. It makes us see differences as something to be afraid of rather than something we can learn from.

Peace asks something different of us.

It asks us to listen. It asks us to be curious rather than judgemental. It asks us to talk to people rather than talk about them. And sometimes, it simply asks us to show kindness.

Perhaps most importantly, we have to think about the example we are setting for the children and young people growing up around us. The young people of Derby are watching us. They are watching how we speak to people who are different from us. They are watching how we respond when we disagree. They are watching whether we choose kindness or hostility, understanding or prejudice.

If we want them to grow up in a peaceful and accepting society, then adults have to lead by example. We have to show them that disagreement doesn't have to become division.

We have to show them that difference doesn't have to become discrimination. And we have to show them that our communities can be stronger when everybody feels that they belong.

Imagine a future where every child and young person can grow up feeling safe, respected and accepted for who they are. A future where a child's background doesn't determine how they are treated. Where religion is not a reason for hatred. Where culture is something to celebrate. Where differences are opportunities to learn.

And where every young person can look around their city and know: I belong here.

That is the kind of future we should be working towards. Peace doesn't mean that we will never disagree. It means that when we disagree, we choose respect. It means that we refuse to allow hatred to define our communities.

And it means recognising our shared humanity before our differences.

So let us celebrate the diversity of Derby. Let us stand together against hate in all its forms. Let us listen to one another, learn from one another and look after one another.

And, most importantly, let us give the next generation something better to inherit – not a world divided by fear and hatred, but a community built on peace, respect, acceptance and hope.

Because peace begins with each of us.

Thank you.